Chapter 27:

Chapter 27 — A New Noble

S. T. A. W

Jay ran a hand through his hair, summarizing the unbelievable events.

「Well, after my Princess' baptism, me and the Pope said a few words, Lisa was brought up, and next thing I know, we are engaged.」

Iris’s initial surprise quickly turned into playful mischief.

「I see. So, you gonna build a harem, Jay?」

「What, no! I wouldn't!」

「Oh, why's that?」

Jay’s blush deepened until his face was bright red.

「Well... Well, thinking 'bout the women I love fightin' over me... is kinda embarrassing!」

Iris, caught off guard by his honesty, mirrored his flush.

「Oh, I see.」

「Err... Why are you blushing?」 Jay asked.

「I'm not, you're blushing! ...Calms down... But I guess what's done is done.」

「Yah, you're right.」

Iris turned to Lisa, giving her a warm, genuine smile.

「But welcome to the family, Lisa.」

「...A little shy... Oh, thank you, Iris... But what's your relationship with Jay?」

「Well, that, we are actually married, but nobody knows. I don't mind sharing if you're willing to play fair.」

Lisa, to Jay's confusion, accepted the proposition with shocking humility.

「No, I'm OK being a concubine.」

【Sharing? Concubine? What the hell is going on?!】 Jay thought, his mind reeling.

「That won't do. A Second Wife is fine.」 Iris insisted.

「Yah, OK.」

「Oh, and my and Jay's relationship?」

「Don't worry, I'll tell no one.」

「...Giggles... So, I was right. You are deeply in love, aren't you?」

「...Blushes... You can say that.」

:::: Jay: (...Narrates...) A month passed since that. We took a job, discovered a real old artifact, and now I'm made a Baron. But since that would've been a hassle, and it means no more time with my Princess, I told 'em I just need the estate, that's all, and Alberto agreed. But ever since then, that title has been pissing me off lately. ::::

Iris read the Guild notice with a hint of amazement.

「Not even two months of being an Adventurer, and you've been made a Noble!」

「...Sighs... Yah, but being asked if I can marry someone's daughter is real annoying.」

「I know. But Jay, how was seeing your parents?」 Iris asked gently, referring to their visit to the castle during the King's summons.

「Kinda painful, but I was happy, at least. Too bad I can't help them.」

「Yah, I know.」

「At least he said he wishes the best for me, wherever I was.」

「Yah, that's good to hear.」

The door creaked open, and a tiny figure padded into the room.

「Papa, you here, right? ...Yawns...」

「Yah, I am. ...Lena gets in the middle of him and Iris...」

Jay pulled her close, patting her head.